Rape victim not charged with biting rapist's tongue

Prosecutors on Tuesday did not bring charges against a 23-year-old woman for wounding a rapist by biting off his tongue, recognizing her act as self-defense.

The rape victim, whose identity was withheld, bit off one third of the tongue of the 54-year-old suspect, surnamed Lee, when he attempted to sexually assault her on June 11, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors concluded her acts were self-defense, saying that not allowing aggressive self-defense in rape attempts could bring bigger risks for the victims.

Under the current criminal law, self-defense allows a person to use reasonable force in his or her own defense or the defense of others.

The suspect lost partial mobility of his tongue and now experiences speech disorders due to the injury, they added.

Lee has been indicted on rape charges, prosecutors said. They also offered therapy for the victim, who has shown symptoms of depression. (Yonhap)